Our winter edition ofThe Museumexplores Antarctica, the vast icy continent to our south, and serves as a companion publication to our 2026 winter exhibition,Antarctica.

This issue examines a place defined by extremes, where vast annual cycles of melting and freezing shape global oceans,weatherand climate.

We bring together voices from across Antarcticas human story, including researchers, scientists, expeditioners, explorers,artistsand creatives, alongside the longer history of those who have ventured south, from early adventurers to modern-day specialists.

Through science,storytellingand lived experience, we trace Australias enduring connection to the continent, from First Nations perspectives to contemporary research, revealing Antarctica as a place where deep time and present-day challenges converge.

Selected contents:

• Antarctica co-curator Jono Lineen tells the story behind an extraordinary acquisition from the Australian Antarctic Division, documenting Australias contribution to Antarctica and its history.
• Tom Griffiths reflects on Australias pioneering, scientific and historical encounters with Antarctica, entwined with his own experience of the continent.
• Filmmakerandadventurer Michael Dillontalksabout his life in film and the journey behind his documentarytrackingthe ascent of Heard Islands Big Ben.
• Lynette Russell illuminates First Nations connections to the Southern Ocean and their contributions to the whaling and sealing industries.
• Rohan Howitt tracesAustraliaslongstandingrelationshipwith Antarctica and its claim to 42%of the southern continent.
• Antarctic Arts Fellows Philip Samartzis and Polly Stanton highlight the power of art and literature to shift how we see the South Polar region.
• Author Favel Parrett recalls her childhood fascination with the Danish polar vesselNella Danand how itcontinues to inspireher writing.
• Nerilie Abram, chief scientist at the Australian Antarctic Division, reflects on futuredirectionsin climate science and conservation and on the role of women in Antarcticas past and present.
• Laura Cook, co-curator ofAntarctica, uncovers theincrediblestory behind Australias sled dog breeding program.
• Joy McCann exploresthestrange and remarkablelife below the sea ice, including Antarctic krill, the lifeblood ofthesecircumpolar waters.
• Elizabeth Leane weighs up the pros and cons of Antarctica tourism.

More on the Antarctica exhibition

Publicationdetails
ISSN2200-2472
120pages
NationalMuseumofAustralia,July2026
Cover:illustratedbyTimbaSmits